Biotech Updates

Scientists to Develop Drought Tolerant Potatoes for Central Asia

July 10, 2013

Researchers from the International Potato Center (CIP) and their partners in Uzbekistan have selected potato clones from new breeding lines that tolerate drought, high temperatures, and the long days of temperate summer, which is a promising development for farmers and consumers in Central Asia.

The researchers have run field trials with 64 advanced clones bred by CIP to compare their development under normal, water deficit, and severe drought conditions. They selected genotypes with drought tolerance and other desirable traits, such as virus resistance, high yield, marketability, and storability; while working with local farmers to identify which varieties they prefer. Many of the CIP-bred clones didn't produce well in the Central Asian summer, but some virus resistant genotypes showed adaptation to temperate and drought conditions.

View CIP's news release at http://cipotato.org/press-room/blogs/drought-tolerant-potato-varieties-show-promise-for-central-asia.